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Baker backed for Wales

Ospreys assistant coach Gruff Rees believes number eight Dan Baker “has to be in the mix” to play for Wales due to his recent showings.

Ospreys assistant coach Gruff Rees reckons number eight Dan Baker “has to be in the mix” to play for Wales due to his recent strong performances.

The 21-year-old forward, who was man-of-the-match against Leinster in the region's 25-19 win on Friday, has consistently impressed in black.

“He's mesmeric,” said Rees when speaking to RaboDirectPRO12.com on the youngster's form.

“We've seen him come through since he was 16 and we've known he has that ability.

“Over the past 12 months he's developed into someone with an aptitude for the professional game, who knows the demands.

“He can beat someone in a metre of space and after a nervous start against Leinster he had a couple of little moments which excite us for the future.

“We have him and a whole host of young forwards coming through, plus line-breakers behind the scrum. So we feel we're heading in a decent direction.

“Dan has to be in the mix. Based on his form now and the way he's earning his spurs at regional level, I wouldn't begrudge him earning a shirt and trying to push Toby [Faletau] for the next few years.”